Harrow will house one of the very first polyclinics in London after the controversial medical centres were finally given the go ahead yesterday.

Harrow will house one of the very first polyclinics in London after the controversial medical centres were finally given the go ahead yesterday.

For more than a year health chiefs have been in talks about the one-size-fits all clinics, which have drawn criticism because of concerns about the breakdown of patient-doctor relationships.

But the health centre at Alexandra Avenue in South Harrow has been selected by NHS London as one of the capital's first five polyclinics and it is hoped it will be up and running from April 2009.

Jonathan Street, spokesman for Harrow PCT, praised the decision. He said: "This is good news for people in Harrow because ultimately it brings care closer to where people live.

"Because the centre will have X-ray facilities, blood testing and the ability to carry out minor operations, it will take work away from Northwick Park Hospital and other hospitals in the area.

"Also the regular opening times of GPs, from 9am to 5pm, are inconvenient to most people and this centre is likely to open from 8am to 8pm, meaning people can come to the centre if they need to see a doctor and it isn't something that needs to be taken to A&E."

The centre, which has been opened for more than two years, already housed much of the equipment and staff expected in polyclinics but it is anticipated that two GPs will move into the site as part of the plans

Mr Street refuted any suggestions that this will mean a breakdown in doctor patient relationships - despite the fact it may see practices in the area close.

He added: "It is likely the centre will have two GPs within it but this doesn't mean a breakdown in relationship. These GPs will take the decision to move into the clinic, that won't be any one else's decision, and the likelihood is that they will bring their patients with them.

"People may not see the same GP every time they go to the centre but this isn't uncommon anywhere else. Most practices have four or more GPs anyway, but minus the additional facilities or the additional opening hours."

In the past Fergus McCloghry, chair-man of Harrow Local Medical Committee (LMC) has condemned the idea of polyclinics but he said: "I think

Harrow PCT have made the best decision under the circumstances.

"By deciding on a federated model they have minimised any destabilising of local general practice, and in using an existing premises they have not committed any major new spending.

"I hope NHS London will now wait and evaluate this model of care before pursuing any other non-evidenced initiatives."